JAMNAGAR: Anant Ambani, Founder of Vantara, has stepped in to provide a fresh chance of recovery to Maya, an 18-month-old elephant calf battling critical health complications, by arranging her airlift from Kerala to Vantara’s specialised veterinary hospital in Jamnagar.
The transfer was carried out on November 5 following an order issued by Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr P. Pugazhendi, IFS. Vantara mobilised a specialised veterinary team to ensure the calf’s safe transportation and medical support.
Maya was found abandoned near Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor Division on April 19, 2025, after her herd reportedly crossed a river without her. The newborn calf was weak, dehydrated and deprived of her mother’s first milk. Unable to suckle, she required intensive care and round-the-clock feeding.
For more than a year, Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr Binoy C. Babu and a dedicated team of caregivers nurtured her and gave her the name Maya.
Her condition deteriorated after she slipped while playing in July 2026 and injured her shoulder. Despite physiotherapy, splints and nutritional supplements, her health continued to worsen. By late October, she had become unable to stand and was suffering from fractures in both front legs, a chest infection and pressure sores.
Concerned over her deteriorating condition, Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden sought expert medical advice. Padma Shri Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, eminent elephant veterinarian and Veterinary Advisor to Vantara, identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that could respond to treatment. Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, Head Veterinarian at Vantara’s Elephant Care Centre, supported the assessment. The medical board unanimously agreed that Maya deserved every possible opportunity for recovery.
Maya was airlifted under life-support arrangements, accompanied by three Vantara elephant veterinarians, paravets and caregivers. Dr Binoy C. Babu and her familiar caregiver, Nikhil Babu, also travelled with her to ensure continuity of care.
At Vantara’s facility in Jamnagar, Maya will receive round-the-clock medical monitoring, pain management, advanced diagnostics, hydraulic lifting support and hydrotherapy wherever medically appropriate.
Kerala will retain responsibility for Maya’s care, while Vantara will facilitate her return to Abhayaranyam once the treatment is completed.
“Maya has fought for every single day of her life. Now it is our turn to fight for her. Our team will not leave her side, not for a moment. Today, we ask everyone to hold this little one in their prayers. Every life matters, and Maya’s matters to all of us,” said Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara.
Although Maya’s prognosis remains uncertain and the road to recovery is expected to be challenging, the young elephant is now receiving specialised medical attention and has a dedicated team working to give her a second chance at life.
